Associate Member George Hogg talks of his career

Thu, Feb 18th 2021 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

George tells us particularly of his work with The Brothers of Charity


A well-attended Zoom meeting of Hawick Rotary Club on 18th February heard from Associate Member George Hogg on his work with the Galashiels based Brothers of Charity.


Associate Member status gives those interested in Rotary a chance to find out more about the organisation before becoming full Members. An early stage in full membership traditionally is introducing yourself to your new colleagues by telling them something of your career so far.

George took members quickly through the early parts of his career, from working in an accounts office at a Jedburgh tannery, then at Barrie Knitwear, and then on to Borders Regional Council. Of these three jobs, the one he enjoyed the most was working as cost accountant with Barrie's being responsible for costing the garments. He explained how these costs were used for setting the sales prices of the garments. His next rôle was with Borders Regional Council working within the Roads costing office. George then went on to work as accountant for The Brothers of Charity at Gattonside and then at Galashiels, retiring in December after 31 years’ service with the organisation.

The Brothers of Charity, founded in Belgium in 1807, is an international organisation spread over approximately 20 countries and supports people with learning difficulties. The Diocese of which the Brothers of Charity in the Borders were part included Ireland, England, Scotland and Sri Lanka. When George started with the Brothers of Charity very few of the brothers were still based at Gattonside. Although the organisation's core work was firmly focused on supporting people with learning difficulties in the Borders, they would occasionally get involved with some small fundraising events helping the Brothers with their charitable activities in other parts of the world such as Sri Lanka. The Brothers themselves were often asked at short notice to work wherever they were needed either at home or abroad. George also emphasised the importance of 'social return' (it is not always the value of money that counts it is how society benefits from it.)

Currently the Brothers of Charity employ around 270 people in the Borders and provide a range of services to people with different support needs. This could be through care home support at Garden Villa at Gattonside, or providing care in the community via Together Borders and Together Plus sectors of the organisation. (Together Plus providing support for those with more complex needs). The organisation also provides training to those with learning difficulties in bakery, cafe and gardening skills via their Social Enterprise based at Tweedbank. Brothers of Charity also now manages what was The Hawick Care Company.

George's talk was very well received and he ably answered several questions from members. The local Club looks forward to welcoming him as a full member later this year.

Linden Warburton reported to members that four further loans of £30 each had been made under the Club's Lend With Care project. These were to a food retailer and a poultry farmer in Ecuador, and to farmers in Cambodia and in the Philippines. Examples also of 'social return'?


'What We Do' Main Pages:

2019-20 President Linden Warburton and Treasurer Scott Elliot (centre) meet with Polysport representatives Libby Kennedy (right) and Greg Cuthbert (left)

Hawick Rotary Club has been able to obtain funding for the restoration of the village's Polysport facility after it was inundated by floodwater

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Some info on the entertaining activities we get up to!

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This Committee focuses on international aid and projects

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A summary of Hawick Rotary's work with the community during 2020, despite the problems of Coronavirus and Lockdowns

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Our Vocational & Community Committee concentrates on supporting local community groups and on youth activities, often in collaboration with Hawick High School and with Primary Schools in the town.

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Enquiries regarding membership are always welcomed and should be e-mailed to secretary@hawickrotary.com

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